But I have an elixir about me which can convert even the rock water into the richest wines of France." As he spoke, he took a large purse from his bosom, made of the fur of the sea otter, and streamed a shower of small silver pieces into the goblet, until the cup, which was but a small one, was more than half full.
"You have reason to be more thankful, young man," said Maitre Pierre, "both to your patron Saint Quentin and to Saint Julian, than you seemed to be but now.

I would advise you to bestow alms in their name.

Remain in this hostelry until you see your kinsman, Le Balafre, who will be relieved from guard in the afternoon.

I will cause him to be acquainted that he may find you here, for I have business in the Castle." Quentin Durward would have said something to have excused himself from accepting the profuse liberality of his new friend; but Maitre Pierre, bending his dark brows, and erecting his stooping figure into an attitude of more dignity than he had yet seen him assume, said in a tone of authority, "No reply, young man, but do what you are commanded." With these words he left the apartment, making a sign, as he departed, that Quentin must not follow him.
The young Scotsman stood astounded, and knew not what to think of the matter.

His first most natural, though perhaps not most dignified impulse, drove him to peer into the silver goblet, which assuredly was more than half full of silver pieces to the number of several scores, of which perhaps Quentin had never called twenty his own at one time during the course of his whole life.